Israeli security forces have arrested a three-member Arab terrorist cell in Samaria that included an employee of the Palestinian Authority intelligence service.

An elite military unit joined forces with the Shin Bet to capture two terrorists who attacked IDF soldiers four days ago.

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One IDF soldier was wounded in a shootout that ensued in Samaria when his unit came under fire during an early-morning raid near Tulkarem, in the village of Din’aba.

The two Arab terrorists who were involved in the shootout managed to escape. The PA intelligence member later aided the pair with their escape and hiding the weapon, according to the Shin Bet.

Under questioning, “The operatives confessed to plotting and carrying out the shooting, and surrendered the weapon used in the attack,” the IDF said in a statement.

Ala’a Barqawi, 32, is an employee of the Palestinian Authority intelligence agency. According to the Shin Bet, he aided the other two detainees after they attacked the IDF unit, and hid the weapon they used in the shootout.

Amar Anbess, 27, has already served prison time in 2008 for terrorist activity. He and Samir a-Haq, 30, opened fire at the IDF soldiers who were operating in their village on January 20.

All three of the terrorists are residents of Din’aba. They were arraigned Sunday in military court.

Hana Levi Julian is a Middle East news analyst with a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Southern Connecticut State University. A past columnist with The Jewish Press and senior editor at Arutz 7, Ms. Julian has written for Babble.com, Chabad.org and other media outlets, in addition to her years working in broadcast journalism.